Therapy Dogs Bring Joy and Comfort to Families, People in Need During Holidays

DoveLewis’ canine therapy teams visit hospitals and homeless shelters for Christmas

PORTLAND, Ore. – On Christmas Eve, volunteers in DoveLewis’ canine therapy team, Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams (PACTT), will visit community organizations to raise the spirits of children and families in-need with the joy of animal-assisted therapy.  

“Our therapy dogs can make a difference at this time of year,” said Kathy Loter, DoveLewis’ PACTT Program Director. “When they visit a hospital, for instance, they have a special way of connecting with patients who are struggling with the anxiety and sadness of dealing with an illness and being away from home.”

They’ll also spend time with hospital staff, acting as a much-needed stress reliever in high-pressure or emotionally taxing jobs.

Animal-assisted therapy has been proven to promote physical healing by reducing anxiety, fatigue and depression. PACTT teams made up of a committed handler and a career-change or retired service dog will visit OHSU, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Trillium Family Services/Parry Center for Children, New Heights Church, New Avenues for Youth, Share Hazel Dell, Multnomah County START Court, Metro West Ambulance, Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, and Morrison Family Services.

Reporters are invited to join PACTT at:
 

• OHSU Hospital (3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR  97239)

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10 - 11 a.m. (PACTT team: Steve Mehlig and Kyla)

PACTT teams will visit patients and staff.
*Media should gather in the main OHSU lobby area (9th floor); parking available on the top level of Garage C, across from Emergency Department

Please schedule your visit in advance, if possible. Reporters interested in attending should contact DoveLewis’ marketing director, Tess Payne, at 503-708-1448 or tpayne@dovelewis.org.

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